Red-hot Cleveland on brink

MINNEAPOLIS — The playoff scenario for the Cleveland Indians is simple: win Sunday and they are in.

The Indians moved into sole possession of the AL wild-card lead on the next-to-last scheduled day of the regular season, beating the Minnesota Twins, 5-1, Saturday behind Scott Kazmir’s strong start to extend their winning streak to nine.

Seeking their first postseason appearance since 2007, the Indians (91-70) took a one-game lead over Tampa Bay and Texas (both 90-71).

Cleveland is assured of at least a tie for the AL wild card. With three teams seeking the two wild cards, Sunday’s results could decide the matter or lead to one or two tiebreaker games at the start of next week.